This is a taut little who-will-do-it (as opposed to a who-dun-it). Based on real history, it's a fictionalized account of a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on the way to his first inauguration.
Dick Powell plays a New York detective (well, actually a resigned detective) trying to track down a person or persons who are plotting to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on his trip to Washington for his first inauguration. Adolphe Menjou plays a new Colonel in the American Army, who, surprisingly, is part of the plot. Marshall Thompson plays a recent graduate of West Point who is a Southerner at heart, and may be part of the plot, as well. Ruby Dee plays a young slave girl. Leif Erickson is a part of the plot, but is killed early on. Will Geer plays a conductor, and the venerable Florence Bates a gossipy northerner.
Much of the photography is at night, but is excellently done. It's a black and white film, but somehow that seems appropriate.
Dick Powell's performance here is right on target. Powell made only 3 more films after this, although he didn't die (of cancer) for another decade. This is one of the best performances of his that I have seen.
Paula Raymond is quite good as a Southern woman whose husband is involved in the plot. There is also a fine performance by Adolphe Menjou, who on occasion, could be extremely effective. Marshall Thompson is very good here, as well.
If there is a complaint here, it's the ending. It seems to happen so quickly! It doesn't seem like you're at the end of the film, but end it does.
Dick Powell plays a New York detective (well, actually a resigned detective) trying to track down a person or persons who are plotting to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on his trip to Washington for his first inauguration. Adolphe Menjou plays a new Colonel in the American Army, who, surprisingly, is part of the plot. Marshall Thompson plays a recent graduate of West Point who is a Southerner at heart, and may be part of the plot, as well. Ruby Dee plays a young slave girl. Leif Erickson is a part of the plot, but is killed early on. Will Geer plays a conductor, and the venerable Florence Bates a gossipy northerner.
Much of the photography is at night, but is excellently done. It's a black and white film, but somehow that seems appropriate.
Dick Powell's performance here is right on target. Powell made only 3 more films after this, although he didn't die (of cancer) for another decade. This is one of the best performances of his that I have seen.
Paula Raymond is quite good as a Southern woman whose husband is involved in the plot. There is also a fine performance by Adolphe Menjou, who on occasion, could be extremely effective. Marshall Thompson is very good here, as well.
If there is a complaint here, it's the ending. It seems to happen so quickly! It doesn't seem like you're at the end of the film, but end it does.